THE RNLI IS THE CHARITY THAT SAVES LIVES AT SEA ISSUE 613 | AUTUMN 2015 THE FORCE BEHIND THE LAUNCH Discover the teamwork and technology that powers all-weather lifeboats to the rescue ‘ I WAS YEARS OF DROWNING’ THEIR LIVES Dramatic rescue accounts from Trace the history of RNLI awards – lifesavers and survivors and find out what’s next Welcome In this issue Earlier this year, Hoylake launch volunteer Tracy Davies – pictured on the front page – became the first woman to RORY STAMP qualify as an operator of the Shannon class lifeboat’s launch LIFEBOAT EDITOR and recovery vehicle. Now she’s on call, ready to send the GALLANTRY MEDAL ANNOUNCED volunteer crew to sea and save lives. As we were finalising this magazine People like Tracy and their launch woman saved from drowning (p16) and the RNLI’s Trustees announced that 10 4 equipment are sometimes overlooked. the family of a man resuscitated with Scarborough Helm Rudi Barman will But without them, our rescuers can’t the help of our lifeguards, who said: receive a Bronze Medal for Gallantry. get to sea in the first place – see page ‘You have given a 3-year-old her daddy Rudi is receiving the award for his 26 for more on the force behind the back’ (p14). All these lifesaving rescues courage, skill and leadership during launches. In this issue you can also are powered by people’s time, skills, a launch to a dog walker, who was read how Tracy’s fellow Hoylake actions and support. being washed against a sea wall. volunteers teamed up with crew Thank you for yours! In breaking waves, a near gale members and lifeguards at West Kirby and darkness, Rudi and his fellow to go to the aid of a casualty in serious Editor: volunteers got the casualty, Andrew danger (p10). Our other rescue stories Rory Stamp McGeown, ashore and he was given 14 24 include words of gratitude from a @LifeboatRory CPR. Tragically, despite their best efforts, Andrew did not survive. We’ll feature a full report of the service in the next issue. Photo: RNLI/TonyPhoto: Roddam 16 30 40 REGULARS IN DEPTH RESCUE 4 NEWS 18 THE YEARS 8 SNAPSHOTS Honours, Ferarris and more OF THEIR LIVES Including rescues by Baltimore, The past, present and future of Buckie, and West Mersea crews 30 GIVE IT A GO Pictured: The RNLI’s All-weather Lifeboat Centre was officially opened in Poole, Dorset in August. Chief Executive Paul Boissier opened our annual awards and meetings Knit yellow booties! the lifeboat manufacturing and maintenance centre along with the RNLI’s two youngest fully-trained all-weather crew members: 10 LIFESAVING ON THE EDGE Caryl Jones from Porthdinllaen and John McDermid from Arranmore. 24 THE RNLI AND ME West Kirby and Hoylake 32 SIX OF THE BEST Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall lifesavers team up on the rocks CONTACT US The RNLI was founded in 1824. Today it provides a 24-hour Festive RNLI gifts for all ages AUTUMN 2015 ISSUE 613 search and rescue service out to 100 nautical miles from the © RNLI 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction is permitted THE FORCE For all enquiries, please contact our coast of the UK, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel 26 14 SPEED, SKILL, SURVIVAL with the prior consent of the RNLI. Opinions expressed by Islands; on the tidal reaches of the River Thames; and on 38 SPECIAL DELIVERY BEHIND THE LAUNCH authors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Care is Supporter Care Team by phone on How our lifeguards were a crucial selected inland waterways. It also provides a seasonal lifeguard Including our survey feedback taken to ensure that editorial information is correct at the 0300 300 9990, email service on appropriate beaches in England, Wales, Scotland, What and who is involved in link in a chain that saved a life on time of going to press but is subject to change. Northern Ireland and Channel Islands; and flood rescue. launching all-weather lifeboats? [email protected] or post c/o The RNLI is independent from Government and relies on a Cornish beach Chairman: Charles Hunter-Pease voluntary contributions and gifts in Wills for its income. 40 RNLI FAMILY Chief Executive: Paul Boissier RNLI Headquarters, West Quay Road, It is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) Catch up with RNLI people and Scotland (SC037736). Registered charity number ‘ I THOUGHT IT WAS Lifeboat Editor: Rory Stamp Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ. ‘ I’ve long had a 16 Offshore Editor: Bethany Hope 20003326 in the Republic of Ireland. MY LAST BREATH’ Lifeboat and Offshore design: RNLI Design Team 42 PUZZLE TIME Front cover photo: RNLI/Nigel Millard fascination with Blackpool volunteers pull 43 LIFEBOAT LOTTERY drowning woman to safety the ocean’ with seconds to spare Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall 2 Lifeboat Autumn 2015 INF001-613 Lifeboat Autumn 2015 3 A VINTAGE LEGACY ROYAL HONOURS Increasing respect A young solo sailor was among Our lifesavers received a remarkable gift in May – two multi-million-pound the selfless RNLI volunteers Ferraris. Northampton businessman and RNLI supporter Richard Colton for the Your guide to what's been going and fundraisers recognised by left his treasured sports cars to the RNLI in his Will, asking that money water on in the world of the RNLI HM The Queen in this year’s from their sale be used to build a new lifeboat named after him and his late Respect the Birthday Honours. wife. The cars, up for auction at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford on Water – the Words: Jon Jones Natasha Lambert was the 14 October, are expected to fetch around £8M – enough to fund almost RNLI’s safety youngest of the seven RNLI four new Shannon lifeboats. It’s one of the largest bequests ever received campaign recipients named for their by the RNLI. – launched contribution to saving life at sea. The rare Ferraris – a red 1960 250 GT SWB and silver 1967 275 GTB/4 throughout The 17-year-old RNLI fundraiser – were Richard’s lifelong passion and he enjoyed driving them around the UK and Republic of Ireland this Tall ships, (above) has raised thousands of Europe. He was described by friends as a shy and private man and said to Summer. The campaign was bigger pounds for the RNLI and other charities with her incredible be nervous of the sea, hence his great respect for our volunteers. Simon than ever, with thought-provoking solo sailing achievements. The unstoppable teenager, who has Hope, Chairman of the auctioneers H&H Classics, says: ‘It promises to be adverts in cinemas, on radio, the web long weekend athetoid cerebral palsy, controls the helm and sails of her boat an historic sale.’ and in the press, all in the name of Belfast had its very own RNLI lifeboat station for a long with a sip/puff mechanism. Natasha said: ‘I can’t believe I’ve Photo: H&H Classics/Neil Fraser drowning prevention. It’s a key part weekend in July when Bangor and Red Bay volunteers been chosen for this amazing honour. I just enjoy doing of the RNLI’s mission to halve the provided extra rescue cover for the Tall Ships Race. Around what I do.’ number of coastal drownings 750,000 visitors poured into the city for the 4-day event by 2024. and our lifesavers were at the very heart of the activities, Officer of the Most Excellent Our research has revealed who is at the ready with a relief Atlantic 85 lifeboat in the marina. Order of the British Empire (OBE) most at risk – adult men – and why Donaghadee’s all-weather lifeboat crew were also afloat for • Barry High, Gloucestershire: Volunteer fundraiser and major they have been getting into danger. the Sunday parade. donor of Ilfracombe lifeboat. For services to charity and to So the campaign included safety The RNLI was one of five charities that benefited from the the community in Blockley, Gloucestershire. messages focused on three critical event and visitors got a close look at our rescue gear, chatted , Isle of Wight: Volunteer fundraiser • Lady Sarah Pigot GENEROUS BEQUEST: EXPECTED TO RAISE: issues: cold water shock; currents, to crew and lifeguards and had a go at dressing up in lifeboat and Chairperson of RNLI Isle of Wight Board. For services waves and tides; and slips, trips and kit. Darren Byers, RNLI Divisional Operations Manager, said: to the community in the Isle of Wight. falls into the water. It all served as ‘The inshore lifeboat responded to six service calls with • Vicky Wright, Buckinghamshire: RNLI Trustee and Deputy 2 FERRARIS AROUND £8M a reminder that British and Irish seas thankfully no injured casualties. Belfast looked stunning Chairman. For services to maritime safety. are dangerously unpredictable. during the event and the departing sight of the parade It’s not all about the adults, of Tall Ships accompanied by RNLI lifeboats is one that Member of the Most Excellent though. More than 55,000 will stay with me for a long time.’ Order of the British Empire (MBE): youngsters got Beach Smart this • Captain Neil Hardy, Dorset: Volunteer Lifeboat Operations ENOUGH TO FUND ALMOST 4 SHANNON CLASS LIFEBOATS Summer, thanks to a free RNLI Manager at Swanage Lifeboat Station. For services to safety pack full of tips on catching maritime safety. waves and what to do if they get into ST ABBS CLOSURE trouble in the surf. Children also took British Empire Medal (BEM): part in free Swim Safe sessions with • Kenneth Headley, East Lothian: RNLI Dunbar shop volunteer. The RNLI closed its inshore lifeboat station at St Abbs in Berwickshire in the RNLI and the Amateur Swimming For services to maritime safety.